• 2011 GMC Canyon

• Used GMC Canyon
• Repairs GMC Canyon

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2011 GMC Canyon U.S. News Best Cars 6.4
Critics' Rating:	6.5
Performance:	7.1
Interior:	6.8
Safety:	5.7
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Good handling for a truck
• Straightforward dashboard layout
• V8 engine available

• Substandard interior materials quality
• Pricey for the class

Research Other Years

• 2012 GMC Canyon
• 2010 GMC Canyon
• 2009 GMC Canyon
• 2008 GMC Canyon
• 2007 GMC Canyon

The Canyon is an acceptable truck overall, but other compact pickup trucks outshine it in every category.

Most reviewers agree that while the GMC Canyon is a practical and useful truck, it is a lackluster offering when compared to the rest of its class.  The Canyon’s underpowered four- and five-cylinder engines are its downfall, especially when coupled with its cheap, bare-bones interior.  Reviewers like the optional V8, but its lower fuel economy negates the reason that many people choose a compact truck over a full-size. The Canyon is also pricey for the class, and when optioned it can cost almost as much as a full-size GMC truck.  However, Edmunds thinks the Canyon is adequate, saying “like many lower-rated entries in the automotive marketplace, the 2011 GMC Canyon is still essentially a competent vehicle.”

Other Trucks to Consider

While reviewers say that the GMC Canyon is an adequate truck, you should also take a look at the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.  Both trucks outshine the Canyon in every category, especially with their comfortable around-town drives and more car-like interiors.   The Frontier costs about $700 more than the Canyon.  The Tacoma starts out $680 less than the Canyon, and also tends to hold its value better over time. 

The Suzuki Equator is also worth a look if the Nissan Frontier is on your list. The Equator is the twin of the Frontier, built side-by-side in the same factory, side-by-side.  While the Equator starts about $600 more the Canyon's base price, it includes a longer powertrain warranty than the Frontier.  

There are only three compact or midsize trucks that offer V8 engines, and the GMC Canyon and its near-twin the Chevrolet Colorado are the cheapest, both starting out a hair over $17,000. However, the Dodge Dakota, the only other midsize truck that offers a V8 is worth a look. It offers the most towing capability in the segment, as well as E85 flex-fuel option.   However, the Dakota starts out over $6,000 more than the Canyon.

Details: GMC Canyon

The Canyon is available as a Regular Cab model, an Extended Cab, or as a Crew Cab. Buyers can chose between four-, five- or eight-cylinder engines. Changes for 2011 are few: redesigned the front seat headrests and the option to add Bluetooth and the latest version of OnStar. Aside from the addition of a V8 engine in 2009 and standard head curtain side airbags in 2010, the Canyon hasn't changed markedly since 2007, so this review uses data from earlier model years.

• "Canyon is a handsome light-duty pickup that looks good on paper. But out on the road or trail, where passenger comfort and refinement really count, it doesn't quite measure up." -- Edmunds
• "Perhaps the cheapest interior around, flimsy front seats, cramped rear seat in extended-cab models, thrashy base engine." -- Car and Driver